Universal attachment flange

ABSTRACT

A universal attachment flange to connect equipment utilized to perform a task to various connection arrangements. A universal attachment flange is provided with a plurality of hole patterns to permit a bolted attachment of the flange to other devices that present varying patterns of bolt receiving holes. The universal attachment flange is capable of connection to a variety of four (4) hole patterns and at least one three (3) hole pattern. In one form the universal attachment flange includes a through hole threaded to receive a connection fitting.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of copending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/361,777, filed Feb. 23, 2006.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an attachment flange for equipment utilized toperform a task by connection to other equipment. More particularly, itis directed to an attachment flange primarily to attach associatedequipment to a variety of connection arrangements.

In many industries, equipment used to perform a task must accommodate avariety of connection arrangements present on the equipment upon which aparticular activity is to be performed. One such example is found in therailroad and trucking industries in which pressurized air or othersource of pressurized gas is attached to a tank car or a vehicular tanktrailer to deliver the pressurized gas into the interior of the tank caror tank trailer during unloading of the load carried in the vehicle. Thetank cars or trailer tanks of various manufacturers are used by shippersto supply raw materials to a customer that uses the materials in amanufacturing process. Because of differences between manufacturers ofthe load carrying vehicles, the task of unloading requires a variety ofattachment arrangements to accommodate the connection arrangementspresented by the vehicles employed by shippers.

The present invention accommodates the variance in connectionarrangements by providing an attachment flange for the equipment to beconnected that has a universal attachment capability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a connection arrangementillustrative of one embodiment of a railroad tank car or vehiculartrailer tank with connection arrangement in the form of a flange forattachment of a supply of pressurized air or other gas.

FIG. 2 is a front planar view of one embodiment of the universalattachment flange of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the flange of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the universalattachment flange of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 5 is a front plan view of a modified form of a universal attachmentflange embodying the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the flange of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the universalattachment flange illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows load carrying equipment in theform of a vehicular tank car 10. The car 10 includes a connectionstation 12 for connection of various lines to input air to assist inunloading of the contents of the car.

One connection 13 in the form of an annular flange surrounding anopening 11 receives input from a pressurized air from a supply at theunloading station. The air is discharged into the tank throughassociated piping to assist in unloading of the lading which is usuallya fluent, particulate material. Air enters opening 11 and passes througha system of pipes (not shown) inside the tank.

Connection 13 is an annular flange with a generally planar attachmentface 14. A plurality of circular, or round holes 15 receive bolts toconnect the source of pressurized air to the connection flange 13.Because the tank cars are made by different manufacturers the boltpattern presented by one connection for attachment of the air supplyline are different from the bolt pattern presented by a car of adifferent manufacturer. In the embodiment illustrated, the boltreceiving holes 15 of the flange or connection 13 are disposed ninetydegrees (90°) apart on a 5 ½ inch diameter bolt circle. The holes aresized to receive a standard ⅝ inch bolt. The term bolt circle is thecommon term for an imaginary circular line passing through the centersof the bolt receiving holes 15 coaxial with the transverse axisperpendicular to planar attachment face 14.

Common bolting patterns presented by connection flange 13 include four(4) holes on a six inch diameter (6″) bolt circle, four (4) holes on afive and one half inch (5 ½″) diameter bolt circle, four (4) holes on afour and three quarter inch (4 ¾″) diameter bolt circle and three (3)holes on a five and one half inch (5 ½″) diameter bolt circle. The holesof the four hole patterns are ninety degrees (90°) apart and the holesof the three hole pattern are one hundred twenty degrees (120°) apart.

In accordance with the present invention, a universal attachment flange16 is provided which accommodates various different patterns of annularhole spacing arrangements of connection flange 13. The flange 16 asillustrated has a generally annular body with concentric radially innerand radially outer edges coaxial with a transverse centerlineperpendicular to a front generally planar face surface 19, and a reargenerally planar face surface 21. The shape of the exterior perimeter offlange 16, or its axial thickness is not material to the presentinvention. It must only be of a shape and thickness to permit securementto the connection flange 13 on the tank car without leakage betweenfacing surfaces.

In the illustrated embodiment the axial thickness is two inches (2″).The flange 16 could also be made of metal. Preferably the universalattachment flange 16 is made of a polymer such as polyethylene.

As illustrated, the universal attachment flange 16 includes a centralthrough hole 18 threaded with a pipe thread that commences at frontgenerally planar face surface 19. It receives a connection fitting of ahose from an external source of pressurized air. Typically the air hoseis connected to the pressurized air supply at the unloading location.The air is usually passed through a regulator and delivered at apressure of from 10 to 15 pounds per square inch gauge (PSIG).

The hose connection hole 18 illustrated is a one inch (1″) national pipethread (NPT) fitting, with eleven and one-half (11 ½) threads per inch,but the size and can vary without departing from the present invention.It must be understood that the present invention contemplates that theattachment flange 16 not include through hole 18. The flange, in thatinstance, can be utilized as a closure, to seal off opening 11 inconnection flange 13.

The rear generally planar face 21 of universal attachment flange 16mates with the planar face 14 of connection flange 13 in face-to-facerelation. Flange 16 includes a series of through holes in a pattern,generally designated 20, through which bolts (not shown) can be passed.Nuts (not shown) attached to bolts secure the flange 16 to theconnection flange 13. A gasket (not shown) may be employed between thegenerally planar face 14 of connection flange 13 and rear generallyplanar face surface 21 of universal attachment flange 16 to insureagainst leakage.

The hole pattern 20 is a combination of elongated or oblong holes 22 andcircular holes 30 and oblong holes 32 that align with and overlie avariety of patterns on the connection flange 13 of different tank carsor tank trailers to permit attachment of flange 16 to connection flange13.

For simplicity, the term “bolt circle” is used in this application torefer to the concentric imaginary circular lines upon which a radius isstruck to define a curved surface defining at least a portion of athrough hole of the hole pattern 20 of the universal attachment flange16.

These imaginary lines are illustrated as concentric with the radiallyinner and radially outer edges of generally planar face surfaces 19 and21 about a transverse centerline perpendicular to the generally planarsurfaces 19 and 21. Of course, the edge shape of universal attachmentflange 16 could vary without departing from the invention. Also, thecentral hole 18 need not be present.

The embodiments illustrated are intended to provide an understanding ofthe configuration of hole patterns of the invention. Note also that thereference to horizontal and vertical is, also only for ease inunderstanding since the universal attachment flange 16 is capable ofbeing positioned in any plane. Also, the horizontal and verticalcenterlines are imaginary lines that intersect each other to define fourimaginary radial lines that are ninety degrees (90°) apart.

As described below, the hole patterns are formed by a radius designated“R” struck from locations on three concentric bolt circles designatedBC₁, BC₂, and BC₃. The radially outer bolt circle BC₁ has a six inch(6″) diameter, the middle bolt circle BC₂ has a five and one half inch(5 ½″) diameter and the radially inner bolt circle BC₃ has a four andthree quarter inch (4 ¾″) diameter.

The radius R defining the holes is a three-eights inch (⅜″) radius.Thus, the round holes are three quarter inch (¾″) in diameter (twice R)and the oblong or elongated holes have a width of three quarter inch(¾″) and have semi-circular ends formed on a three-eights inch (⅜″)radius (R). This hole size provides adequate clearance for the ⅝″ boltsused to connect universal attachment flange 16 to connection flange 13.

The pattern of the holes 20 in the embodiment of FIGS. 2 to 4 includefour elongated or oblong holes 22 spaced ninety degrees (90°) apartabout the central threaded hole 18. Referring to FIG. 2, the hole 22 ais located on a vertical centerline at the zero degree (0°) or threehundred sixty degree (360°) location, a hole 22 b is located on ahorizontal centerline at the ninety degree (90°) location, a hole 22 cis located on the vertical centerline at the one hundred eighty degree(180°) location and a hole 22 d is located on the horizontal centerlineat the two hundred seventy degree (270°) location.

Each hole 22 is defined by radially inner semi-circular end surfaceformed by radius R struck from a point P₁ where the 5 ½ inch diameterbolt circle BC₂ intersects radial lines defining the horizontal andvertical centerlines of the universal attachment flange 16, and aradially outer semi-circular end surface formed by a radius R struckfrom a point P₂ where the 6 inch diameter bolt circle BC₁ intersects thehorizontal and vertical centerlines. Parallel sidewall surfaces spacedapart a distance equal to twice radius R join the radially inner andradially outer semi-circular end surfaces to form elongated holes 22.

Two circular holes 30 are located adjacent, and on either side of hole22 b, one between holes 22 a and 22 b, and one between holes 22 b and 22c. These holes are defined by radius R struck from a point P₃ where aline at and angle of forty five degrees (45°) to the horizontalcenterline, on either side of it intersects the 4 ¾ inch bolt circleBC₃.

Two additional elongated or oblong holes 32 are provided adjacent, andon either side of hole 22 d which is disposed one hundred eighty degrees(180°) from hole 22 b. One such hole 32 is located between holes 22 cand 22 d and the other located between holes 22 d and 22 a. These holesare defined by an inner semi-circular end surface formed by radius Rstruck from a point P₄ where a radial line at forty-five degrees (45°)to the horizontal centerline, on either side of it intersects the 4 ¾inch bolt circle BC₃ and a semi-circular surface formed by a radius Rstruck from a point P₅ where a radial line sixty degrees (60°) to thehorizontal centerline, on either side of it intersects 5 ½ inch boltcircle BC₂. Parallel sidewall surfaces spaced apart a distance equal totwice radius R connect the semi-circular end surfaces to form elongatedholes 32.

The holes 22, 30, and 32 in universal attachment flange 16 accommodateattachment to a variety of bolt patterns presented by differentconfigurations of connection flange 13 found on different tank cars 10.In this embodiment, holes 22 accommodate or permit a bolted connectionto a pattern on a connection flange 13 that includes four (4) holesequally spaced on a six inch (6″) bolt circle or on a five and one-halfinch (5 ½″) bolt circle. Holes 30 and 32 accommodate a connection flange13 that has four (4) bolt holes positioned equally spaced about a fourand three quarter inch (4 ¾″) bolt circle. Holes 32 and hole 22 baccommodates or permit a bolted connection to a pattern of holes 15 on aconnection 13 that is defined by three (3) holes equally spaced onehundred twenty degrees (120°) apart about a five and one half inch (5½″) bolt circle.

Turning now to FIGS. 5 through 7, there is illustrated a modified formof universal attachment flange designated 116 embodying the principlesof the present invention.

As in the first embodiment, a universal attachment flange 116accommodates variations in hole spacing arrangements of connectionflange 13. The flange 116 is generally annular and includes a frontgenerally planar face 119 and a rear generally planar face 121. Theshape of the exterior perimeter or its axial thickness is not materialto the present invention. It must only be of a shape and thickness topermit securement to the connection 13 on the tank car without leakagebetween facing surfaces. Again, a gasket is usually employed between thegenerally planar face 14 of connection flange 13 and rear facing surface121 of universal attachment flange 116.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 through 7, the universal attachment flange 116includes a central hole 118 threaded with a pipe thread that commencesat front generally planar facing surface 119. If the universalattachment flange 116 were employed as a cover or closure plate foropening 11, central hole 118 would be eliminated.

Threaded hole 118 receives a connection fitting of a hose from a supplyof pressurized air. The hose connection illustrated is a one inch (1″)national pipe thread (NPT) fitting, but the size can vary withoutdeparting from the present invention.

Rear generally planar face 121 mates with the planar face 14 ofconnection flange 13 in face-to-face relation. Flange 116 includes aseries of through holes in a pattern, generally designated 120, throughwhich bolts (not shown) can be passed. Nuts (not shown) attached to thebolts secure the flange 116 to the connection flange 13. A gasket (notshown) may be employed between the generally planar face 14 ofconnection 13 and rear generally planar face 121 of universal attachmentflange 116 to insure against leakage.

The hole pattern 120 is a combination of elongated or oblong holes 122and circular holes 130 that align with and overlie a variety of patternson the connection flange 13 of different tank cars or tank trailers topermit attachment of the air supply to station 12. As described below,the hole patterns are formed by a radius designated “R” struck fromlocations on three concentric bolt circles designated BC₁, BC₂, and BC₃.The radial outer bolt circle BC₁ has a six inch (6″) diameter, themiddle bolt circle BC₂ has a five and one half inch (5 ½″) diameter andradially inner bolt circle BC₃ has a four and three quarter inch (4 ¾″)diameter.

The radius R defining the holes is a three-eights inch (⅜″) radius.Thus, the round holes are three quarter inch (¾″) in diameter (twice R)and the oblong or elongated holes have a width of three quarter inch(¾″) and have semi-circular ends formed by a three-eights inch (⅜″)radius (R). This hole size provides adequate clearance for the ⅝″ boltsused to connect universal attachment flange 116 to connection flange 13.

The pattern of the holes 120 in the embodiment of FIGS. 5 to 7 includefour elongated or oblong holes 122 spaced ninety degrees (90°) apartabout the central threaded hole 118. Referring to FIG. 5, the hole 122 ais located on a vertical centerline at the zero degree (0°) or threehundred sixty degree (360°) location, a hole 122 b is located on ahorizontal centerline at the ninety degree (90°) location, a hole 122 cis located on the vertical centerline at the one hundred eighty degree(180°) location and a hole 22 d is located on the horizontal centerlineat the two hundred seventy degree (270°) location.

Each hole 122 is defined by radially inner semi-circular end surfaceformed by radius R struck from a point P₆ where the 4 ¾ inch diameterbolt circle BC₃ intersects the horizontal and vertical centerlines, anda radially outer semi-circular end surface formed by radius R struckfrom a point P₇ where the 6 inch diameter bolt circle BC₁ intersects thehorizontal and vertical centerlines. Parallel sidewall surfaces spacedapart a distance equal to twice R join the radially inner and radiallyouter semi-circular end surfaces to form elongated holes 122.

Two circular holes 130 are located adjacent and on either side of hole122 d, one between holes 122 c and 122 d and one between holes 122 d and122 a. These holes are defined by radius R struck from a point P₈ wherea line sixty degrees (60°) to the horizontal centerline, on either sideof it intersects the 5 ½ inch bolt circle BC₂.

The holes 122 and 130 in universal attachment flange 116 accommodateattachment to a variety of bolt patterns presented by differentconnections 13 found on different configurations of connection flange 13found on different tank cars 10. In this embodiment, holes 122accommodate or permit a bolted connection to a pattern on a connectionflange 13 that includes four (4) holes equally spaced on a six inch (6″)bolt circle, on a five and one-half inch (5 ½″) bolt circle or on a fourand three-quarter inch (4 ¾″) bolt circle. Holes 130 and hole 122 baccommodate or permit a bolted connection to a pattern of holes 15 on aconnection flange 13 that is defined by three holes equally spaced abouta five and one-half inch (5 ½″) bolt circle.

Various features of the present invention have been described withreference to the above illustrative embodiments. It should be understoodthat modifications may be made without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention as represented by the following claims.

1. A universal attachment flange adapted to connect to an attachmentflange receiving connection, said universal attachment flangecomprising: a body defining a pair of spaced apart faces, one of saidfaces adapted to be secured to the attachment flange receivingconnection in face-to-face relation, a pattern of through holesextending completely through said body between said faces, said patterncomprising a combination of through holes configured to align with aplurality of different hole patterns presented by various attachmentflange receiving connections, said pattern defined by holes formed on anouter bolt circle BC₁, a middle bolt circle BC₂ and an inner bolt circleBC₃ wherein said bolt circles are concentric and coaxial with acenterline perpendicular to said faces, said pattern including fourelongated holes having a radially outer semi-circular end surfacedefined by radius R struck from a point P where four radial lines,ninety degrees (90°) apart, extending from said centerline perpendicularto said faces intersect said outer bolt circle BC₁, and a radially innersemi-circular end surface defined by radius R struck from a point Pwhere one of said middle bolt circle BC₂ or inner bolt circle BC₃intersect each of said four radial lines, said radially outersemi-circular end surface and radially inner semi-circular end surfaceof each of said elongated holes joined by parallel side wall surfacesspaced apart a distance two times said radius R, said pattern furtherincluding two circular holes adjacent, and on either side of one of saidfour elongated holes, each said circular hole formed by said radius Rstruck from a point P where a radial line from said centerlineperpendicular to said faces and spaced from one of said four radiallines ninety degrees (90°) apart intersects said middle bolt circle BC₂or said inner bolt circle BC₃.
 2. A universal attachment flange asclaimed in claim 1 wherein said radially inner semi-circular endsurfaces of said elongated holes are formed by said radius R struck frompoint P where said four radial lines ninety degrees (90°) apartintersect said middle bolt circle BC₂.
 3. A universal attachment flangeas claimed in claim 2 wherein said two circular holes are formed by saidradius R struck where said radial lines from said centerlineperpendicular to said faces intersect said inner bolt circle BC₃ and arespaced sixty degrees (60°) from one of said four radial lines ninetydegrees (90°) apart.
 4. A universal attachment flange as claimed inclaim 3, wherein said pattern includes two additional elongated holesadjacent, and on either side of one of said four elongated holes, saidtwo elongated holes each having a radially outer semi-circular endsurface defined by said radius R struck from point P where a radial linesixty degrees (60°) on either side of said one of said radial linespassing through said one of said four elongated holes intersects saidmiddle bolt circle BC₂, and an inner semi-circular end surface definedby said radius R struck from point P where a radial line forty-fivedegrees (45°) on either side of said same one of said radial linespassing through said one of said four elongated holes ninety degrees(90°) apart intersects said inner bolt circle BC₃, said semi-circularend surfaces of said two additional elongated holes joined by parallelsidewall surfaces spaced apart a distance two times said radius R.
 5. Auniversal attachment flange as claimed in claim 4 wherein said bodyfurther includes a threaded through hole to receive a connection fittingconcentric with said centerline perpendicular to said faces.
 6. Auniversal attachment flange as claimed in claim 5 wherein said faces ofsaid body include a front generally planar face surface and a reargenerally planar face surface and said threaded through hole is threadedwith a pipe thread that commences at said front generally planar facesurface and said rear generally planar face surface is adapted to matewith a planar face of a connection flange of an attachment flangereceiving connection in face-to-face relation.
 7. A universal attachmentflange as claimed in claim 1 wherein said radially inner semi-circularend surface of said elongated holes are formed by said radius R struckfrom point P where said four radial lines ninety degrees (90°) apartintersect said inner bolt circle BC₃.
 8. A universal attachment flangeas claimed in claim 7 wherein said two circular holes are formed by saidradius R struck where said radial lines from said centerlineperpendicular to said faces intersect said middle bolt circle BC₂ andare spaced forty five degrees (45°) from one of said four radial linesninety degrees (90°) apart.
 9. A universal attachment flange as claimedin claim 8 wherein said body further includes a threaded through hole toreceive a connection fitting concentric with said centerlineperpendicular to said faces.
 10. A universal attachment flange asclaimed in claim 9 wherein said faces of said body include a frontgenerally planar face surface and a rear generally planar face surfaceand said threaded through hole is threaded with a pipe thread thatcommences at said front generally planar face surface and said reargenerally planar face surface is adapted to mate with a planar face of aconnection flange of an attachment flange receiving connection inface-to-face relation.